Watch Korean War Begins at EncycloMedia.com


Watch Korean War Ends at EncycloMedia.com



GO TO: Nick, Joe and Gabriela's Page- To learn about the weapons used in the Korean War
GO TO: Tyler, Cris, Blunky, Brandon-To learn more about the Korean War
GO TO: Nick, Joe and Gabriela's time line- to see a timeline on the Korean War


The Korean War was a war in Korea (obviously), that could be classified as a civil war. It occured between North and South Korea. The North had a communist government, and the south a democracy. The north was making an attempt to convert the south from democracy, to communism. The south did not want to be communist, and the U.N. did not want them to be communist either. This is why the U.N. forces became involved. They came to help south Korea.
China became involved because it was afraid of the U.N. China thought that U.N. helping the south was just a part of a scheme to get south Asia, and possibly China itself. Therefore, China came to help the south.
shows course of the Korean War
shows course of the Korean War


external image korean_war_ha-sn-98-07085.jpg
This war occured between 1950 and 1953, involving: North Korea, South Korea, China, and American-led United Nation Forces.

After World War II, the Soviet government became a great influence on North Korea. This influence led to a major conflict on June, 1950 when North Korea attacked the South. This event then led to the involvement of President Harry Truman who sent troops to protect the South. President Truman got involved so he could prevent the spread of communism with his policy called the Containment Policy. This policy stated American commitment of support (economic and military) to any country that would fight communism. They did this in an effort to stop the spread of communism.

Inchon Invasion – General MacArthur commanded UN forces as they launched an assault codenamed Operation Chromite at Inchon. Inchon was taken by North Korea during the first couple months of the war. MacArthur was able to push the communists back to the 38th Parallel and continued past the North border and they were able to defeat enemy forces.

After the Inchon Invasion General MacArthur pushed the Northern forces back further and further into North Korea towards the Yalu River (Chinese Border). Upon nearing the river, China's troops drove the U.S. back south, below the 38th Parallel. General Matthew Ridgway drove the Chinese back behind the 38th Parallel and regained their territory. This event was called the Yalu River Disaster.

external image Peng-cross-Yalu.jpg
Ater the U.S regained territory they were in a continuous fight with Northern forces (Korea and China) for two years until an oficial cease fire occured.

Once America regained territory President Harry Truman decided to avoid fighting and try to make peace. General McArthur disagreed with the president and took matters into his own hands. General McArthur demanded that China surrender or be invaded and he spoke out against the presidents decision by going to the press. This caused peace negotioations to stall which was also why president Truman fired him on 13 April, 1951. President Harry Truman said, "...the cause of world peace is more important than any individual."

The Korean War did not end until President Dwight Eisenhower signed an armstice on 27 July, 1953. The boundaries of North and South Korea were exactly the same as before the war. Over 54,000 Americans died and over 1 million Korean and Chinese died by the end of the war. This was a horible, tragic event that will always be remembered.

Review
http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-238862